General
Does Sullivan Tire perform automotive service and repairs?
Yes! We employ ASE Certified Technicians in every location, and most of our locations have a Master Technician on staff. We offer automotive service from oil changes to brake service to more complicated computer diagnostics on most vehicles. Our technicians are required to attend at least 30 hours of training per year to keep up with today's rapidly changing technologies.
Do I need an appointment?
We do recommend that you set up an appointment with us either over the phone or on our website. However, we will certainly do our very best to accommodate walk-in customers. To schedule an appointment, call (877) 855-4826 or book your appointment online here. If you need help setting up an appointment, one of our Retail Resource Center representatives can assist you through our online chat, by email, or on the phone at (877) 855-4826.
Do you offer a shuttle service?
Yes! We offer a FREE local shuttle service. All our locations are equipped with shuttle vans and a driver to take you to your destination and pick you up when your vehicle is ready.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, Diners Club, and Discover. We also accept the Goodyear Credit Card and Continental Tire Synchrony Credit Card.
Do you accept personal checks?
We are happy to accept your personal check with proper ID and a phone number.
Are your shops State Inspection stations?
All of our New Hampshire and Maine locations are state inspection stations. In Rhode Island, our Newport location performs state inspections. In Massachusetts we have several locations that perform state inspections. To see which stores in Massachusetts perform state inspections, please visit our locations page. Per Massachusetts state regulations State Inspections for vehicles are only available on a "first come, first serve" basis, however, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Tires
Do I have to pay for tire disposal?
When you purchase a Certified Tire Installation Package from Sullivan Tire and Auto Service, the tire disposal fee is included. If you would like to take your old tires with you to dispose on your own, please check with your Sullivan Tire and Auto Service manager for additional details.
Does Sullivan Tire sell used tires?
No, Sullivan Tire does not sell used tires.
How much air should I put in my tires?
You want to consult your owner's manual or the placard that is on the doorjamb to get the manufacturers recommended tire pressure. Always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. If you aren't sure how much pressure to put in your tires, stop by a Sullivan Tire and we would be happy to inflate your tires to the proper pressure for FREE.
How often should I rotate my tires?
We recommend a tire rotation every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. This will help them wear uniformly and allow you to get the maximum life expectancy from your investment.
What exactly is a wheel balance?
Wheel balance is a process in which we install small weights on the wheel to make sure the balance of the wheel is true. If a tire is not balanced you will feel a vibration when you are driving the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. In addition, an out of balance wheel can cause irregular tire wear. Sullivan Tire locations use state-of-the-art computerized wheel balance machines to ensure that your tires and wheels are properly balanced.
Are your shops able to change tires on custom wheels?
Absolutely! We have the latest state-of-the-art tire machines. Some of our stores have machines capable of handling wheels up to 24 inches. Our tire technicians are trained to use these machines and protect your wheels from damage.
Will you match a competitor's price on tires?
We will not be beat on price! When shopping for tires, if you find the same tire(s) (make, model, size, ply) for less with any legitimate big box stores, local or online competitors, Sullivan Tire will match the price of that tire. Along with providing the best service and quality of work, you deserve the best price on tires with Sullivan Tire's Tire Price Match Guarantee. See our Tire Price Match Guarantee web page for complete program details.
What brands of tires do you stock?
We stock all the major brands and a wide variety of private label tires. Our stock includes: Michelin, Goodyear, General, Kumho, Continental, Dunlop, BFGoodrich, Firestone, Bridgestone and many others. If we do not have a particular tire you are looking for we can order it and have it within a day or two in most cases. Often we can order and have the product within the same day!
Do you have more questions on how to properly maintain or extend the life of your tires?
Check out our tire classroom for more proper tire care.
Auto Service
When should I have an alignment done on my vehicle?
We recommend having the alignment checked at least once a year and/or when you have the tires replaced. You would also want to have the alignment checked if your vehicle has any of the following symptoms: irregular tire wear, pulling or drifting to one side or a steering wheel that is off centered. Click here to learn more about alignments.
Why is my check engine light on?
A check engine light comes on when your vehicles on-board computer system senses a problem. There are many things that could cause the light to be activated. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap or as complicated as one of the many sensors malfunctioning. Sullivan Tire has team of Diagnostic Technicians that are educated and trained to used the latest in computer diagnostics technologies to properly diagnose not only the code or reason as to why your check engine light went off, but also to repair it. Schedule our Check Engine Light Diagnostics Service today.
What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
If the check engine light comes on, your vehicles on-board computer system senses a problem. In most cases it is safe to drive your vehicle while the check engine light is on. However, it is recommended that you call your service station and set up a time for a technician to diagnose the problem.
If your check engine light is blinking or coming on intermittently, your vehicle is misfiring, and you may be doing damage to the catalytic converter. We would recommend you stop driving your vehicle and have it towed to the nearest Sullivan Tire and Auto Service location, if possible, to avoid any serious damage.
What is involved in diagnosing a check engine light problem?
In order to diagnose a check engine light a technician needs to connect a diagnostic scanner to your vehicles on-board computer. Your vehicles on-board computer will store a code(s) for any specific problems it has found and the technician can read the code using the diagnostic scan tool. After the technician discovers the codes a series of tests are performed to figure out the exact nature of the problem. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take several hours to diagnose and repair the issue.
Can Sullivan Tire diagnose an engine light or computer related problem?
In most cases, we certainly can! We are proud to employ some of the best certified auto technicians in the business, and our locations are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. In some cases we may not be able to diagnose a certain application and we will tell you this up front and provide a recommendation for you.
Why do I have to pay for diagnostic labor?
Today's vehicles are extremely complicated machines. It takes time, a qualified person, and special diagnostic equipment to diagnose today's vehicles. We do our very best to keep the diagnostic time to a minimum, and we will keep you updated every step of the way.
How long does it take for mechanical service or repairs?
The time it takes for mechanical service or repairs depends on the specific service or repair and what type of vehicle you have. Since each vehicle is made differently, some require more time to repair and the severity of a repair is a major factor in the time it takes to perform. For an accurate estimate, please contact the Sullivan Tire location nearest to you.
Do you want to learn more about maintaining your vehicle?
Please check out our auto service classroom for more information.
Vehicle Maintenance
Can you tell me the required preventative maintenance on my vehicle?
Yes. All of our shops have the All-Data computer systems. With this system we can look up the manufacturers recommended maintenance on just about every vehicle on the road today. We would be happy to provide you with a FREE print out of the maintenance schedule specific to your vehicle and a FREE estimate on any of these services.
Pricing
Why am I not seeing the total price for the services I selected?
A total price can be provided once we can assess your service needs for your vehicle. In some cases a service may show "price varies"; this is because that service is dependent on the individual vehicle. When this happens, your vehicle will need to be checked by a service adviser in order to accurately provide a quote. A total price quote will be provided to you once we can accurately determine your vehicle's service needs.
Why does price vary?
Many times the price for a particular service is dependent on your individual vehicle's needs. When this is the case, a service adviser will need to assess your vehicle in order to find the exact part needed for service. A total price quote will be provided to you once this is done.